How to Become a Social Worker
Help people cope with challenges in their lives and connect them to community resources. It typically requires a master's degree (for clinical), with a median salary of $59,550 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$59,550/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
35,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Active Listening
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Cultural Competency
- Advocacy
Helpful certifications
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
- ACSW
- State Licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
25/100
Work-life balance
45/100
Stress level
68/100
Satisfaction
66/100
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Social Worker make?
The median pay for a Social Worker is $59,550 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Social Worker?
The usual entry point is a master's degree (for clinical). Common majors are Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services.
Is Social Worker a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 35,100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Social Worker use most?
Common skills for this role are Active Listening, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Cultural Competency, and Advocacy.
Planning to become a Social Worker?
Save this career to your PlanexAI path and track the majors, courses, and milestones that lead to it.
Not sure this is right for you?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.
Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.